Master Gardener^sm Column for the Week of October 31, 2005
Judy Koehly
Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener^sm Volunteer

As we prepare our gardens for coming the winter we should also be thinking spring! Later this month is time to plant spring-blooming bulbs such as anemones, daffodils, scillas, and ranunculuses. Tulip bulbs can be planted, but will only bloom once in the spring and not come back the next year as the winters in southeastern North Carolina do not have the chill factor necessary for tulips. A good shot of time-release bulb fertilizer added at planting time should supply all the nutrients necessary for the lovely flower show next year.

When shopping for bulbs buy the highest quality now to get the prettiest flowers later. Healthy bulbs will be plump and firm. No mold should be present. Larger bulbs will produce larger flowers. Store bulbs in a cool place and avoid humidity. The refrigerator will keep them cool until you are ready to plant them, but do keep them separated from ripening fruit.

November is also prime time for planting perennials and woody ornamentals. Check out your local nurseries for end of the season sales to get some good buys. Check over your late bloomers and save some seeds from your favorite plants for next year. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. To keep some color in the garden all winter plant some pansies, Johnny-jump-ups, snapdragons, colorful kale, etc.

Continue raking the lawn, especially newly seeded lawns, as a leafy coating can easily smother recently sprouted grass. When you rake up those messy leaves remember that they make great fuel for the compost pile or good material for mulch. They will work best for you if they are ground up first. A mulcher mower and/or chipper will do the job nicely. When adding leaves to the compost pile mix the dry leaves with some green matter, such as grass clippings, and a little bit of water to make it easier for the microbes to break down the pile. Clean up the garden by clearing out any dead annuals. You can add your spent chrysanthemum blooms to the mulch pile. Cut back the chrysanthemum plants to within a few inches of the ground to stimulate root growth and strong spring foliage.

When nighttime temperatures drop to 50º it is time for houseplants to come inside. Inspect them carefully for signs of insect or disease and treat immediately. The usual culprits are: aphids, mealy bugs, scale, and spider mites. It is normal for plants that have been moved indoors to lose some foliage as they adjust to their new home. Give them as much light as possible to keep them happy and healthy. They love sunshine, but are also quite pleased to have fluorescent lighting. Resist the urge to over water; more plants succumb to over watering than drying out.

Culinary herbs that remain in the garden such as basil, fennel, thyme, rosemary, or tarragon can be added to decorative bottles filled with vinegar and allowed to steep for several weeks. They make excellent house or holiday gifts.

With fewer insects and seed-producing plants available, winters can be harsh for birds, so keep the feeders well supplied with seed and suet. Birds continue to require clean, fresh water all year long so change the water in the birdbath at least once a week.

Send your gardening questions or comments to: Brunswick County Master Gardener Column, P.O. Box 109, Bolivia, NC 28422, or call (910) 253-2610. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting information or a reply. Answers may be printed in this column.

For further information or assistance, please e-mail:
Charlie Spencer, Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener^smVolunteer

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Date Created 10/27/2005